Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a 625-acre zoo near Old Dairy Farm in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, set among the Eastern Ghats with the Bay of Bengal on one side. Its animal collection and varied habitats make it a substantial outing; check the opening pattern and ticket slots before you set out.
- Location: Near Old Dairy Farm on NH5 Road, Visakhapatnam.
- Scale: 625 acres (253 hectares).
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Ticket prices: ₹30 to ₹750, with four timed booking slots.
Where the zoo is and how to reach it
The zoo is near Old Dairy Farm on NH5 Road, with access from National Highway 5 and Beach Road at Sagar Nagar. The Visakhapatnam district page places it about 11 km from Visakhapatnam railway station.
A Central Zoo Authority profile gives the nearest intercity bus terminus as 8 km away and notes a local city bus stand near the zoo entrance; these distances are to the zoo, not hotel travel times.
There are two entrance and exit gates: one toward National Highway 5 and another toward Beach Road at Sagar Nagar. If you are arriving by public transport, confirm which gate best suits your approach. The zoo is around 16 km from the nearest airport, according to the Central Zoo Authority profile.
Hotel The Supreme offers guest rooms in Visakhapatnam.
Tickets, entry rules and opening hours
Entry costs range from ₹30 to ₹750. Timed booking slots are 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM, and 3:00 PM–5:00 PM; booking closes at 4:00 PM. Hours and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5:00–22:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Outside food is not allowed inside the park. The rules also prohibit polythene bags, plastic bottles, crackers and firecrackers; the stated fine for crackers can be up to ₹2,000. Do not feed or tease animals, cross barriers, litter, damage facilities or play audio systems. Keep a safe distance from animals, including when you are with children.
Plan the visit around the park layout
The zoo’s scale and spread of habitats make it worth planning your route around the animals and features you most want to see. Giraffes, zebras, ring-tailed lemurs and rhinoceroses are among its featured attractions. Its master plan also identifies specialized natural enclosures for lions, tigers, white tigers and bears, alongside a Nocturnal Animal House and walk-through aviaries.
The zoo was formed on November 10, 1972, and opened to the public on May 19, 1977. Its collection comprises 843 animals from 123 species. A mini train travels through animal complexes, as described by Incredible India; check locally for its availability and operating details when you arrive.
Facilities and practical visitor notes
Visitor amenities identified in the zoo’s master plan include drinking-water coolers, toilets, pagodas, stone benches, shelters and wheelchairs for visitors with mobility needs. The plan also says two-wheelers and heavy vehicles are not allowed inside the zoo, so arrange your approach accordingly.
A biosphere learning center and library are near the canteen inside the zoo, according to the Visakhapatnam district page. For questions before a visit, the zoo’s official contact number is +91 891-2552081.
Pair the zoo with another nearby outing
Kambalakonda Eco Tourism Park is across National Highway 5 from the zoo, making it a natural possibility to consider alongside a zoo visit. Check the park’s own details before combining the two, and allow time for the zoo’s large grounds.
If your plans include other city sights, a one-day Visakhapatnam route can help you arrange the rest of your day around the zoo.
FAQs
Where is Indira Gandhi Zoological Park?
It is near Old Dairy Farm on NH5 Road in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The zoo has gates toward National Highway 5 and Beach Road at Sagar Nagar.
What are the zoo’s opening hours?
Open daily. Hours can change, so check the official site before going.
How much are Indira Gandhi Zoological Park tickets?
Entry costs range from ₹30 to ₹750, and visitors book a timed slot.
Can you bring food into the zoo?
No. Outside food is not allowed inside the park, and the visitor rules also prohibit polythene bags and plastic bottles.